I'm undecided. I got the Macallan 18 after finishing my exam. I'd like to get something really nice for the "confirmation letter" but I have a few weeks until my exam results come in to decide. Many good suggestions here! I'm just learning that I like "real" whisky over bourbon so haven't tried too many.

Finally something I actually know about. I second the Lagavulin and Ardbeg. I will say though that they are not very beginner friendly but more of an acquired taste. If you would like a smoky, but smooth scotch i highly recommend a Talisker. It is like a mix of glenlivet and (name a peaty scotch). I also found Lagavulin to have a medicinal smell to it, not that that's a bad thing it is still one of my favorites. If you want a mix of smoky and spicy get a "highland park".

I've been experimenting with Scotch for years and although I know that you are looked down upon if you aren't one of the people who enjoy the extreme peaty flavours, I'll risk saying I have not been able to acquire a taste for Lagavulin or other Islay varieties.

Sorry, but I just do not like the taste of seaweed in my drink. Just my personal preference though. Obviously, many do as the region is well known and has multiple distilleries all famous for their sea inspired blends. I also find the stronger than most iodine flavor to be a bit disconcerting.

I think my favourites are the afore mentioned and more conservative Talisker and the 18 year Glenlivet.

One thing I did learn is that there is more to the age than just a price tag. It does legitimately make a huge difference in flavour. For instance, If you were to blindly try the 12 year Glenlivet and then immediately after the 18 year variety, you would not be likely to guess that they come from the same distillery. Also the technique, even the cask wood used, can be different depending on which year/variety they plan to make.

This is why it's hard to recommend a Scotch to someone you don't know well. The variety is so broad and the range of flavours is of a ratio in the extreme. Your best bet is to experiment and enjoy the journey.

_________________________
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.

We actually got Peter Bell 'The Peat Monster' for his birthday last year (he adores scotch). Now that was peaty! But if you've ever been chilled to the bone walking the shores of the North Sea, the smell of a peat fire is about the nicest thing on the planet, let me tell you!

Seems like a lot of votes for Talisker, which I've never tried. I'll have to check it out.

Your comments about tasting blind interested me - we have been subjecting oenophile friends to a blind test of aerated wines vs unaerated. So far results are random, which has surprised a lot of them. But I've never tried a blind whisky test. The one at Bushmills that you get to try is sighted. I think most distilleries do the same one.